...Introduction Generalized anxiety disorder affects around 6.8 million adults with women being twice more likely to be affected than men (Anxiety and Depression Association of American, 2010 -2016). Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by extreme, excessive anxiety which causes individuals to worry about ordinary life events with no apparent reasons for concern. Additionally, people who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder foresee trouble and always expect a disastrous event to occur which causes them to worry about their health, work, school, family, or money. Meanwhile, the anxiety dominates a person’s thinking which interferes with their daily activities. History, Myths, Past Treatments Presently, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders and are considered to be the most treatable illness. In the late eighties, the term "anxiety disorders" did not exist. In fact, most anxiety disorders were recognized as phobias (Anxiety and Depression Association of American, 2010 -2016). Information about anxiety disorders began to surface when researchers found a connection between panic attacks and irregular blood flow in the brain. In addition to their findings, the researchers discovered that anxiety disorders are in fact linked to most common social and health issues. As a result, the researchers found and tested different therapies and medication to treat anxiety disorders. There is a wide variety of myths about anxiety disorders. For example, people...
Words: 1364 - Pages: 6
...Generalized Anxiety Disorder What is the difference between fear and anxiety? Fear is when someone seems to face a serious threat to his or her well-being, the person may react in immediate state of alarm. With fear, the cause of the state of alarm is usually known or thought to be known. However, anxiety is “vague sense of being in danger” that cannot always be pin pointed to a definite cause (Comer, 2014). Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorder in the United States. Between 15 - 19% of the population suffers from this disorder, which impairs the quality of life and functioning (NIMH, 2016). Sigma Counseling Services describes on their website that anxiety as “an adaptive emotion that helps us plan and prepare for a possible theat,” and also that, “worrying about many different aspects of life becomes chronic, excessive, and unreasonable.” This is also known as generalized anxiety disorder or GAD (Sigma Counseling, 2015). DSM 5 specifies that GAD is a worry that occurs more days then not for at least 6 months, and that it must be experienced as difficult to control (APA, 2013). 25% of those that suffer from this disease are treated, leaving a large group in the population with anxiety without treatment. Although there is a high correlation of those with anxiety that use health facilities to treat the additional symptoms that anxiety causes (NIMH, 2016). The subjective worrying, that is the foundation for anxiety, must also be accompanied by three...
Words: 1165 - Pages: 5
...Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a psychological disorder characterized by excessive or disproportionate anxiety about several aspects of life that they face on a daily basic like problems at work, their kids, relationships, money issues and many other things (mayoclinc). Anxiety is a reaction to stressful situations that should be beneficial but when its overwhelming it hinders someone’s life. If we didn’t have anxiety, we may not be motivated to do the things we need to do in life. Almost everyone in their life experiences anxiety about stressful situations, but when a person has daily reoccurring anxiety over little unimportant things is when it becomes an issue. When this anxiety starts to be an...
Words: 917 - Pages: 4
...Anxiety is a normal part of living as a human being. Whether it is a result of a big test going on, the moment leading up to riding a roller coaster, or having a significant conversation with someone important, everyone experiences anxiety at different points of their lives. Usually some anxiety and nerves are normal and can even be beneficial in aiding in certain tasks. However, in some cases, people have more anxiety than the normal healthy amount. This is often explained as an anxiety disorder, which can often be accompanied by depression and together can wreck havoc on an individuals well being. There are many different factors that contribute to developing an anxiety disorder, such as: parental guidance, place in the household, peers,...
Words: 979 - Pages: 4
...Advocating for Incorporation of Religion/Spirituality in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment Introduction Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), defined as worry lasting six months or longer that cannot be explained or rationalized by a precipitating traumatic event (Townsend, 2015), is the second most commonly diagnosed psychological disorder (Antai-Otong, 2003). Often presenting with other psychological conditions, the symptoms leading to impairment of the patient compound and increase the complexity of treatment (Antai-Otong, 2003). The standard method of care remains a combination of both pharmacological and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions. However, research regarding the incorporation of the patient’s religious/spiritual beliefs into their course of treatment have demonstrated favorable results as an additional method of intervention (Antai-Otong, 2003; Koszycki, D., Bilodeau, C., Raab-Mayo, K., & Bradwejn, J., 2014; Ramos, K., Barrera, T., Stanley, M., & DeBakey, M., 2014;...
Words: 1173 - Pages: 5
...Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What it is, how it works, and what treatments are available My mother is the only person who always understands how I’m feeling, and she knows just what to say to ease my suffering. As a kid it seemed like I was just a little more sensitive and cautious than the other kids, but either way I still would tend to feel like I didn’t belong some days. When I was fourteen I visited a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD); at the time I had no idea what the words she was saying to me even meant. That was the day that my mother revealed to me that she also suffers from GAD. It is difficult for people without anxiety disorders to understand how constant the anxious feelings really are and that they can escalate to become much more severe than any normal anxiety. I’ve been knowingly living with GAD for four years now and I have many questions about it that have yet to be answered. Considering my mother and I both suffer from this disorder, I want to know if it could possibly be genetic or if I was simple conditioned to it from observing her. I also am curious about what happens in the brain of someone who suffers from generalized anxiety disorder and how it causes the symptoms. Most importantly I want to find information on possible treatments that would not only allow me to deal with my anxiety in a way that will better my life, but also I need to know how I can help my mother because seeing her deal with this disorder and...
Words: 3512 - Pages: 15
...Everyone experiences anxiety. Some people have general anxiety that is manageable but never seems to go away. Others suffer from profound anxiety attacks. Others experience anxiety in social situations, or need order and cleanliness in order to relax. Psychologists have created categories for each of the different types of anxiety, and only by knowing what type of anxiety you're experiencing can you hope to find relief. Anxiety is not a simple condition. It manifests itself in hundreds of different ways. Anxiety is not just nervousness. There are both psychological symptoms and physical symptoms. Of course, anxiety is known as a mental health disorder for a reason. Those with anxiety often find themselves with compulsive worrying, irrational...
Words: 796 - Pages: 4
...of worry surpass “normality”? Generalized anxiety disorder is defined as persistent, unrealistic distress that occurs more days than not, for at least six months (Nutter, Jr, MD, 2014). Children, and more commonly, adolescents, around the world suffer from untreated generalized anxiety disorder. The reason for this is that some of the symptoms of this disorder can be easily confused with “normal” actions that a child or adolescent may part take in daily. A child or adolescent may develop anxiety from pressure to do well in school, or meet parental and societal expectations; the disorder is developed around the desire for perfectionism. According to Child Mind Institute (2017), some of the common symptoms...
Words: 1753 - Pages: 8
...Anxiety: GAD People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are extremely worried about these and many other things, even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. They are very anxious about just getting through the day, and think things will always go badly. At times, this worrying keeps many people with GAD from doing everyday tasks. Panic disorder, another form of anxiety, sometimes runs in families, but no one knows for sure why some people have it while others don't. Social Anxiety: Social anxiety is the fear of interacting with others that brings on self-consciousness, feelings of negativity, and leads to avoidance. If someone seems irrationally anxious around others but seem better alone, they may have social anxiety. Depression: Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad. But...
Words: 498 - Pages: 2
...In the United States, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses affecting over 40 million people.Generalized anxiety is present in 3.1% of the population in any given year. Generalized Anxiety disorder is the uncontrollable state of worry about one's life and certain situations they may be put into and is not a direct response to a specific situation or experience. The worry is not as severe as a panic attack however it lasts much longer. It is excessive and occurs at higher levels than other typical worries. Anxiety disorders may also occur in people who have other mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and bipolar disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder occurs because there is an imbalance on natural occurring chemicals in the brain that regulate lifestyle. Serotonin, dopamine, and norephedrine can impact emotional stability and mental well being, these are all neurotransmitters. If one or both of your parents had GAD you could be born with the risk vulnerability to developing the symptoms of the...
Words: 503 - Pages: 3
...Generalized Anxiety Disorder is an impairing mental disorder that can take control of a persons life. Not only are there various mental symptoms, such as difficulty in controlling worry, but there are also many physical symptoms, such as irritability, muscle tension, etc (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). For this paper, I interviewed a family friend, who shall remain nameless, but for the point of this paper will be called Nicole. She was clinically diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and has been dealing with this mental illness for all of her life. Nicole has learned to cope with her stress, and is able to live a normal life currently, even though she still experiences some symptoms. Nicole’s experience through GAD...
Words: 1509 - Pages: 7
...In 2015, I was diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Since my diagnosis and treatment, I found out I would have benefitted from getting help years earlier. It has been harder for me to change certain habits that I started a couple of years before treatment. I didn't know what steps to take at the time, as I was never taught about mental health in school and it was rarely talked about at home. I have been to therapy and taken pills, but the thing that has truly benefited me is gaining more information on what I struggle with and learning how to take care of my mental health in general. Mental health refers to a person’s psychological and emotional well-being. Millions of Americans are affected by mental health conditions...
Words: 1418 - Pages: 6
...Bravery is the willingness to confront anger, pain, danger, and uncertainty. I was diagnosed with ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, and autism spectrum disorder when I was in my senior year of high school. My stepmother noticed that I was struggling in school and noticed the warning signs years earlier. The idea of me being tested was mentioned numerous times, but life got in the way and it was put to the side. The testing was started beginning of my senior year, because it was the year that determined where I would go after graduation. The diagnosis was scary, because I worried about how future colleges and employers would look at me, because I had a disability on my application. In the beginning it was difficult for me to tell my college professors that I had a disability, because I feared they would treat me differently. My university has a disability center which offers supports to students with disabilities. My first semester in college was rough and I didn’t take the opportunity to use all the resources afforded to me. I also wasn’t taking my medication on a consistent basis, because I was stubborn and in denial. It was very difficult time for me, because I received numerous scholarships and was worried that I could lose them due to my grade. Thankfully I was able...
Words: 496 - Pages: 2
...Mental Illness: General Anxiety Disorder Kirsten Wolf HCA/240 November 22, 2015 Toni Parolisi Mental Illness: General Anxiety Disorder Generalized anxiety disorder, also known as GAD, affects 5% of Americans in their lifetime, which is about 18% of American Adults per year. Someone who has GAD, has a chemical imbalance in their brain. The chemicals that are in our brain are called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are what communicate information throughout our brain and bodies. The neurotransmitters that are targeted in anxiety are called gamm-aminobietyric acid (GABA), serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine. The exact cause of generalized anxiety disorder is not completely understood. However, scientists believe that it’s because of genetics and other risk factors. These other risk factors are based on someone’s mood and if they are female. Someone who is constantly negative or avoids anything that might put them in danger or get them in trouble may have anxiety. Being female is a risk factor because more women are diagnosed with GAD more often than men. The symptoms for generalized anxiety disorder vary depending on the person. Someone who has GAD, are constantly worrying about small or large things, throwing them out of proportion. They have a hard time trying to relax because they have the constant feeling of being on edge. They fear of making the wrong decision and find a possible negative outcome in everything. They also experience physical problems, as...
Words: 1027 - Pages: 5
...“The Cuckoo’s Nest” Many individuals may find themselves in a cuckoo’s nest. Not everyone merely is normal or abnormal, sane or insane, but live their everyday lives estranged by society. The society’s environment is constantly changing. Take a look at the economy; observe the wealthy and poor, evolving relationships, some who desire change, and those who don’t. These differences produce cultural abnormality and no-one knows where to fit in. The world is a cuckoo’s nest with revolving doors. The article Rosenhan exemplifies how no-one knows how to fit in. For instance, there were prestigious people selected to take part in an experiment to determine whether they were insane or abnormal. Unfortunately they were labeled schizophrenics in remission, unable to remove this title. These people were unsure of the rules; for instance, not knowing how long their visit was going to be, to act accordingly to their environment or remain absolutely different from their peers. Unlike the movie “One flew over the cuckoo’s nest,” people couldn’t leave on their own terms. However, in the movie, there were test individuals who would come and go as they please, and attend group therapy. These people had to adjust to a set schedule, try to fit in, prove their normality or insanity. What is insane or abnormal? Either act as a violation of societal norms or an irrational hatred, and contempt for someone. Many people will discount someone as “insane or abnormal,” if they...
Words: 1103 - Pages: 5
